Australia - C-17 GLOBEMASTER III Aircraft

Washington - The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia for one C-17 GLOBEMASTER III aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $300 million.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of one C-17 GLOBEMASTER III aircraft, up to four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 engines, one AN/AAQ-24V(13) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) System, spare and repair parts, supply and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related logistics support. The estimated cost is $300 million.

Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia's efforts in Operation IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM, and peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations have made a significant impact on regional, political, and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives and facilitates burden sharing with our allies.

Australia currently has a heavy airlift capability comprised of five C-17As. This additional
C-17 will further improve Australia's capability to rapidly deploy in support of global coalition operations and will greatly enhance its ability to lead regional humanitarian/peacekeeping operations such as its current response to the Queensland flooding, cyclone aftermath and the New Zealand earthquake.

Australia has the ability to absorb and employ the additional C-17. The C-17 fleet is based at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley. RAAF Base Amberley is the primary base for airlift and tanker aircraft and is currently undergoing the infrastructure upgrades required to support the C-17 and other large aircraft Australia already received or is under contract to purchase.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.